The Modern Hotelier

David Millili & Steve Carran
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Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.

  1. 12 HR AGO

    #269: How Hotels Should Be Using Technology to Improve the Employee & Guest Experience | with Shane O'Flaherty of Microsoft

    In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Shane O’Flaherty, Global Director of Travel, Transportation, and Hospitality at Microsoft, for a deep dive into the future of hospitality. Shane shares his fascinating journey—from growing up in a rodeo and circus environment to shaping global hospitality standards and now leading innovation at one of the world’s biggest tech companies. Along the way, he unpacks powerful lessons on networking, reinvention, and the evolving role of technology in travel. The conversation explores how AI is transforming the hospitality industry—from a “tool” to a true “partner”—and what that means for hotel operators, staff, and guest experiences. Shane breaks down why AI is even bigger than the internet, how personalization can be done right, and why empowering employees with better technology is the key to unlocking exceptional service. You’ll also hear insights on:  The future of AI and “agentic” workflows in hospitality  Why personalization still falls short—and how to fix it  The role of data, digital twins, and predictive maintenance in hotels  How independent hotels and big brands can compete in an AI-driven world  Real-world examples of next-level guest experiencesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yDJYBuefp4o Links:Shane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-o-flaherty/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/269 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    44 min

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    #268: The Atari Hotel: Building An Iconic Video Game Hotel | with Jordan Taylor

    How does a former collegiate baseball player turn his competitive edge into a career in commercial real estate, and ultimately help bring a bold concept like the Atari Hotel to life?  In today's episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jordan Taylor, Managing Partner at Intersection Development, for a deep dive into one of the most innovative concepts in hospitality—the Atari Hotel. Jordan shares his journey from a small-town Midwest upbringing and collegiate baseball career to becoming a leader in commercial real estate development in Phoenix. Through a candid “lightning round,” listeners get a glimpse into his personal passions, from baseball cards and the Green Bay Packers to his commitment to family and meaningful relationships. The conversation then shifts to Jordan’s professional path, highlighting the mentors and pivotal moments that shaped his career. He unpacks the vision behind Intersection Development and how the team organically built a portfolio before stepping into the spotlight. At the core of the episode is the highly anticipated Atari Hotel, a bold, experience-driven destination blending gaming culture, hospitality, entertainment, and technology. Jordan explains how the project goes far beyond traditional hotel models, featuring immersive experiences, esports venues, live events, creator residencies, and community-driven ownership opportunities. The discussion also explores broader industry trends, including the rise of experiential hospitality, the importance of community-building, and how developers can future-proof projects through technology and adaptability. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why meaningful relationships are a key driver of long-term success in business  The vision and strategy behind the innovative Atari Hotel concept  How experiential hospitality is reshaping the future of hotels  How community-driven ownership is opening new opportunities for investors  Why developers must think beyond traditional hotel models to stay competitive Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nwhrekDrMFI Links:Intersection Development: https://intersectiondev.com/ Atari Hotels: https://invest.atarihotels.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/268 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    33 min

  3. 15 APR

    #267: How this "Physical Internet" will Impact Hospitality | with Robert DeDomenico

    What if hotels could turn every delivery into a revenue stream instead of a cost? What if the “last mile” wasn’t a problem—but the biggest untapped opportunity in hospitality?  In this episode, host David Millili sits down with entrepreneur and innovator Robert DeDomenico to explore a bold vision for the future of hospitality logistics and last-mile delivery. Robert shares the origin story behind CargoFish, a concept aimed at transforming how hotels manage food and goods delivery by turning it into a utility-like infrastructure—removing friction, reducing costs, and challenging dominant delivery platforms. Drawing parallels to bridges replacing ferries, he explains why he believes the current last-mile system is inefficient, expensive, and overdue for disruption. Throughout the conversation, Robert walks through his unconventional journey—from growing up in New Jersey and serving as a nuclear submarine reactor operator in the U.S. Navy, to working in energy and business systems, and ultimately developing his startup idea after years of technical problem-solving and research. The episode also covers:  His persistence through early entrepreneurial setbacks, including Shark Tank auditions  How CargoFish aims to integrate with hotels to increase revenue and improve guest experience  Why hotels may be uniquely positioned to compete with platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats  The broader vision of turning delivery infrastructure into a scalable utility model for hospitalityWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1GSSmv5qwN0 Links:Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-dedomenico-0874b122/CargoFish LLC: https://www.cargofish.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/267 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    25 min

  4. 14 APR

    #266: Inside the Hospitality Creator Summit: Elevating the B2B Creator Community | with Anna Blue and Anthony Melchiorri

    In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, host David Millili sits down with Hospitality Creators Summit co-founders Anna Blue and Anthony Melchiorri to unpack one of the most exciting new movements in the industry. They dive into the mission behind the Hospitality Creators Summit, an invite-only (but free) event designed to bring together creators, storytellers, and community builders across hospitality. From the growing importance of content creators in B2B spaces to the massive gap between traditional industry players and modern digital voices, this conversation explores why creators are no longer optional—they’re essential. Anna and Anthony share why the summit focuses on real, practical value: helping creators grow their platforms, increase engagement, monetize content, and build meaningful partnerships. They also tackle bigger themes like collaboration over competition, the power of community, and why the future of hospitality belongs to those willing to create, share, and show up authentically. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring creator, this episode highlights a major shift happening in hospitality—and why you don’t want to be left behind. Key Topics:  The rise of B2B content creators in hospitality  Why traditional marketing is no longer enough  The vision behind the Hospitality Creators Summit  Bridging the gap between generations and technology  Collaboration vs. competition in the creator economy  How creators can grow, monetize, and stand out Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YoYVR6gUP8o Links:Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-blue/Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymelchiorri/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/266 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    18 min

  5. 9 APR

    #265: Death of The Goodtime Hotel, Good Hotel Design, Hilton & Marriott Partnering with Independents, & More | March Hot Topics with Bashar Wali

    Join Steve Carran and David Millili on this month’s episode of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality Hot Topics as we break down the biggest happenings in March for the hospitality industry. This episode features a candid conversation with Bashar Wali, CEO, founder, and one of the world’s top social media influencers, as he shares insights from his global travels and perspectives on hospitality trends, hotel design, and industry challenges. Topics covered in this episode include: Government Shutdown & Airport SecurityHilton adds Yotel as First in Select by HiltonDesign Focused HotelsGood-Bye to the Goodtime HotelSize Does MatterBashar also shares his thoughts on creating hotels that inspire, deliver authentic experiences, and stand out in an increasingly copy-paste industry. Whether you’re a hotelier, traveler, or hospitality enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights and lively discussion. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LASK2yVHBU0 Links:Bashar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/265 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    31 min

  6. 7 APR

    #264: Transforming a Route 66 Motor Lodge Into a Boutique Hotel | with Dr. Sharmin Dharas

    In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dr. Sharmin Dharas, Chief Experience Officer at Hotel ZAZZ and Chief Storyteller at HERstory Hospitality. Sharmin’s journey is anything but traditional. From growing up in a 13-room Route 66 motor lodge to becoming a physician, entrepreneur, author, and boutique hotel visionary, she shares how her diverse background shaped one of the most unique hospitality concepts in the country. The conversation dives into the creation of Hotel ZAZZ, a colorful and rebellious boutique motor lodge in Albuquerque that blends wellness, storytelling, and experiential design—including a hidden speakeasy unlocked by tapping the famous Golden Banana. Sharmin also shares how authenticity, creativity, and community partnerships helped the property gain global attention, including recognition from Forbes as one of the must-see hotels in the world. Along the way, the discussion explores entrepreneurship, Route 66 tourism, scaling independent hospitality brands, and Sharmin’s mission to empower more women to become hotel owners through HERstory Hospitality. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How Sharmin transitioned from medicine to boutique hotel ownership  Why authenticity is the secret to creating viral, Instagram-worthy hospitality experiences  How Route 66 tourism brings international travelers to boutique properties  The importance of community collaboration and hyper-local experiences Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SjlSwSoSD-M Links:Dr. Sharmin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmindharas/ Hotel ZAZZ: https://www.hotelzazz.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/264 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    45 min

  7. 31 MAR

    #263: Innovative Marketing Strategies for Hotels | with Jody Merl

    How can hotels, especially independent and boutique properties, build effective marketing strategies that drive bookings, maximize revenue, and stand out in a competitive market?  In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jody Merl, Founder and President of Innovative Travel Marketing, to dive into her incredible journey from aspiring actress to hospitality marketing powerhouse. Jody shares insights from her decades of experience working with luxury hotels, launching campaigns for JetBlue and iconic properties like the Paramount Hotel, and building long-term client relationships that have stood the test of time. She also reveals what separates successful hotel marketing campaigns from those that fall flat and offers actionable advice for hotel operators and marketing professionals. In this episode, you’ll discover:  The story behind launching JetBlue with a $2M radio campaign funded entirely through trade  How to fill gaps in hotel marketing and maximize underutilized inventory  What are the key strategies for aligning marketing campaigns with long-term business goals  The importance of integrated, multi-channel campaigns across digital, print, and PR  Why is the landscape of hospitality marketing evolving from traditional advertising to targeted digital campaigns Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I6vpIq8JcBs Links:Jody on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymerl/Innovative Travel Marketing: https://www.innovativetravelmarketing.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/263 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    36 min

  8. 30 MAR

    #262: How Hotel Task Force Services Can Help with Labor Problems | with Peter Wenzell

    In this special episode, recorded live at the Hunter Conference in Atlanta, host David Millili sits down with Peter Wenzell, CEO of Wenzell and Fisher Hospitality Group. Peter shares his journey into hospitality, inspired by his father’s work in airport concessions, and how that early exposure to travel and hotels shaped his career path. The conversation dives into one of the hospitality industry’s biggest challenges today—staffing. Peter explains how Wenzell and Fisher’s hotel task force services help hotels quickly fill operational gaps, from unexpected staff resignations to temporary leave coverage, ensuring properties continue running smoothly. They also discuss the evolving workforce landscape, why hotels must get creative with employee retention and incentives, and how the industry can compete with employers offering higher wages. Peter shares his perspective on the growing role of technology and AI in hospitality, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with the human connection that defines great hospitality. In this episode, you’ll learn more about:  How Peter Wenzell got his start in the hospitality industry  What hotel task force services are and how they solve staffing gaps  The biggest staffing challenges hotels are facing today Strategies hoteliers can use to retain and motivate employees Why networking and industry events like the Hunter Conference matter in hospitalityWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ltHaV05Elo8 Links:Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wenzell-b11b9414b/Wenzell & Fisher Hospitality Group: https://www.wenzellfisherhg.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/262 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-... Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    9 min
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About

Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.

Information

  • Creator
    David Millili & Steve Carran
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    270
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © David Millili & Steve Carran
  • Show Website
    The Modern Hotelier

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